Quercus robur

Two Quercus robur (only one of which is recommended for nomination) were planted to commemorate the relief of Mafeking in 1902. The siege of Mafeking started in October 1899 at the beginning of the Anglo-Boer war in South Africa. The English troops, led by Commander Baden Powell turned out to be an inadequate force against the Boers and he resorted to tricking his enemy about his lack of resources. They were holed up in Mafeking for 217 days before being rescued by reinforcements and Baden Powell returned to England as a hero.
The two trees are planted on either side of the entrance to the former school grounds. The plaque marking the trees states:
"Apsley children first attended school in a privately owned slab cottage behind the old bakery from 1873. In 1880 a new school was erected on tis site. These oak trees planted in 1901 to commemorate the relief of the Siege of Mafeking, mark the gate way to this first school building. Increased enrolments during the 1950s saw the younger students placed in another building off the lane way east of the post office. This was known by the children as "The Little School". In 1965 a new and larger school was built and occupied I Laidlaw Street."
The trees are on the north side, adjacent to the Apsley Hall.

Measurements: 21/01/2004
Girth (m): 3.2
Spread (m): E-W 14; N-S 20;
Height (m): 20
Estimated Age (Yrs): 102

Access: Unrestricted
Classified: 17/05/2004

Group

Parks, Gardens and Trees

Category

Tree